Clear form, natural materials
Gira has expanded its appealing Esprit switch series with new materials. With the Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood design line, the solution provider for modern building technology is offering equipment variants made of renewable raw materials for the first time. Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood is the ideal choice for interior design concepts in which a clear form and natural materials are favoured.
Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood unites two natural materials which complement each other perfectly within one switch range. Both are sourced from renewable raw materials, are robust, have a variety of uses, and are popular among architects and owners.
The frame surface is made of linoleum – a true classic: Although it was invented rather by chance by the English chemist Sir Frederick Walton in around 1860, linoleum has celebrated an exemplary success story, also due to the fact that it was the only floor covering to be produced industrially for a long period of time. Linoleum was used in interior design by legendary Bauhaus architects including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius, who also appreciated the material’s natural appearance and durability. In the meantime, linoleum has become a standard for high-quality flooring and table coverings. It is still comprised of natural and predominately renewable raw materials, including its main component linseed oil, plus natural resin, wood flour, and calcium carbonate, as well as colour pigments.
Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood is the first switch range to incorporate linoleum. The untreated, slightly coarse surface of the linoleum makes using the frames an especially sensual experience, both in terms of appearance and feel. Linoleum also features extremely practical advantages. It is very durable, has anti-static and slightly antibacterial properties, and it is also easy to clean. Therefore, the frames have a variety of uses and even withstand particularly high demands.
The frame section under the linoleum is also a true classic of modern interior design. Birch plywood is preferably used in living and office areas which emphasise linear aesthetics and naturalness. Shelves, tables, and chairs – including a number of design classics – have been made of birch plywood. Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood is also the first switch range to use this material. For the frames, birch plywood is used which is 3.4 mm thick, five-layered cross-bonded, and therefore particularly strong. The layered structure of the outer edges offers an attractive contrast to the lustrous matt, coloured linoleum surfaces.
The birch for the frames originates from sustainably managed forests in Finland and is PEFC-certified. The long, cold Nordic winter only allows trees a short period of growth each year, resulting in very thin and uniform annual rings. This makes the wood especially homogeneous and strong, which ultimately allows birch plywood to be produced that is delicate and yet robust enough to be used for a frame with a total thickness of just 9.9 mm (including carrier frame).
The Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood switch range is available in six different colours. The range encompasses two neutral grey shades, with anthracite offering a convincing functional elegance and providing a clear contrast to light backgrounds, while light grey harmonises smoothly with light backgrounds and sets an appealing contrast on colour backgrounds. Gira offers two earthy natural colours, dark brown and light brown. The rich, extremely deep brown conveys elegance and tranquillity and looks extremely stylish. The light brown shade radiates a particularly pleasant and natural warmth. Moreover, two popular primary colours are available. In addition to a medium shade of blue which is slightly broken and yet full of character, there is an intensive, fiery, yet classy red which exudes energy and exuberance. The colours are coordinated to enable all the variants to be combined on the wall to create an individual interplay of colours.
The new design variants expand the unusual diversity of materials of the Esprit range. Together with the Esprit glass C frame variant with soft edges and rounded corners, Gira Esprit allows enormous freedom in designing the equipment to match any taste in furnishings. More than 300 functions which can be integrated into the switch range also offer solutions for all intelligent building technology requirements – including socket outlets and light switches, sensors and home stations, and even up to intelligent KNX systems.
